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The Centre for Science and Environment report indicates that 90% of rural districts are vulnerable, with extreme weather—both heavy rainfall and drought.
Massive Crop Losses: Between 2015 and 2021, India lost 33.9 million hectares of crops due to excess rains and 35 million hectares due to drought. (Source: World Economic Forum)
Widespread Vulnerability: About 90% of rural districts are categorized as climate-risk hotspots.
Economic Toll of Extreme Heat: Heat exposure in 2024 translated to a record 419 hours per person in lost labour capacity, costing the economy an estimated $194 billion, with agriculture bearing two-thirds of this immense burden. (Source: Lancet)
Future Yield Projections: Without adaptation, rain-fed rice yields could fall by up to 47% by 2080, and wheat production could drop by 40%. (Source: PIB)
This situation necessitates a swift and comprehensive shift towards farming systems that can withstand, adapt to, and recover from climatic shocks.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) defines climate resilience as "the ability of an agricultural system to anticipate and prepare for, as well as adapt to, absorb and recover from the impacts of changes in climate and extreme weather".
It employs practices, technologies, and innovations that enhance productivity sustainably, increase resilience and food security, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and ensure higher incomes for small-scale producers.
They strike a balance between increased food production and the preservation of environmental quality and natural resources.
Low-Input, High-Productivity Agriculture
Prioritizes soil health, efficient irrigation, non-chemical pest control, and market access that benefits farmers.
Diversified Systems for Risk Minimization
Promoting diverse cropping systems and a robust livestock economy reduces reliance on single crops vulnerable to climate shocks. Crop diversification also enhances soil fertility, controls pests, and stabilizes yields.
Promoting Climate-Conscious Dietary Choices
Consumer demand for nutritious and climate-resilient foods can drive the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.
Soil Health Management
Practices like composting, cover cropping, crop rotation, and reduced tillage improve soil health by increasing organic matter and nutrient cycling, thus combating soil degradation.
Efficient Water Resource Management
Enhance irrigation methods like drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, efficient soil moisture management, and the cultivation of drought-resistant crops.
Development of Climate-Resilient Crop Varieties
R&D investments invest to develop crop varieties resistant to temperature/precipitation changes and efficient in water/nutrient use.
Agroforestry
Integrating trees and shrubs into farming offers benefits such as better soil, more biodiversity, and new income sources for farmers.
Benefits of Climate-Resilient Farming
Economic Benefits
Increased Income Stability: Diversified cropping systems and allied activities reduce risk and provide multiple income streams, cushioning against crop failures.
Reduced Input Costs: Organic and natural farming practices decrease reliance on expensive chemical fertilizers and pesticides, improving farmer profitability. A GST cut on tractors and machinery parts in October 2025 further reduces mechanization costs.
Enhanced Productivity: Climate-resilient varieties and improved management practices can boost yields even under adverse conditions. NICRA villages, for example, have seen 28-37% higher crop productivity. (Source: Parliamentary Committee)
Market Opportunities: Growing nutrition-rich, locally suited crops and organic produce creates new market opportunities and value chains.
Environmental Benefits
Climate Change Mitigation: Reduced use of synthetic fertilizers lowers nitrous oxide emissions. Agroforestry and improved soil health practices enhance carbon sequestration, positioning agriculture as a climate solution.
Biodiversity Conservation: Diversified farming systems, including agroforestry and integrated pest management, support local biodiversity.
Water Conservation: Efficient irrigation techniques and rainwater harvesting reduce water usage and replenish groundwater levels.
Soil Health Improvement: Practices like crop rotation, cover cropping, and minimal tillage enhance soil structure, fertility, and water retention.
Dominance of Traditional Practices
Many farmers rely on traditional, chemical-intensive monoculture, contributing to soil degradation and greenhouse gas emissions.
Agricultural activities contribute about 30% of total greenhouse gas emissions, mainly due to the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and animal wastes. (Source: International Atomic Energy Agency)
High Input Costs and Market Access
Farmers struggle to adopt sustainable practices due to high initial costs, limited market access for organic produce, and the declining economic returns and rising expenses associated with the Green Revolution.
Lack of Awareness and Capacity Building
Many Farmers lack the necessary knowledge, skills, and access to training on new techniques, climate-resilient varieties, and digital tools.
Fragmented Landholdings
India's average operational landholding size (0.74 hectares in 2021-22) complicates the adoption of large-scale mechanization or integrated farming systems. (Source: NABARD)
Data Gaps and Early Warning System
Effective climate risk management requires robust data and localized weather advisories, which are still developing.
National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA)
NICRA focuses on strategic research and technology to enhance agricultural resilience. It identifies vulnerable districts and develops District Agriculture Contingency Plans.
The Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Food Processing has recommended implementing NICRA in all climate-vulnerable villages.
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
As part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), NMSA aims to make agriculture productive, sustainable, remunerative, and climate-resilient through various sustainable farming practices.
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
Promotes organic farming through a cluster approach, providing financial assistance for organic inputs, certification, and marketing.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
Aims to expand irrigated areas, improve water use efficiency ("More Crop Per Drop"), and promote precision irrigation technologies.
Provides farmers with soil health cards, offering nutrient status details and recommending appropriate fertilizers and soil amendments to optimize nutrient use.
Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
Targets 100 low-productivity districts to enhance agricultural productivity, promote crop diversification, improve irrigation, and strengthen post-harvest storage.
Policy and Implementation
Investment in Research and Development
Strengthening Extension Services and Capacity Building
Market Linkages and Value Chain Development:
Leveraging Digital Technologies
Promoting Agroecology and Natural Farming
Addressing Consumption Patterns
The Indian agricultural future depends on its ability to adapt and build resilience. By promoting a holistic ecosystem that integrates scientific innovation, supportive policies, and empowered farming communities, India can transform food systems, to ensure both food security and environmental sustainability for generations to come.
Source: DOWNTOEARTH
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Examine the core challenges preventing the adoption of climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) practices in India. 150 words |
Climate-resilient agriculture refers to farming practices and technologies that help agricultural systems anticipate, adapt to, and recover from the impacts of climate change. These strategies are designed to increase productivity and incomes, build resilience to climate risks, and, where possible, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
It is an initiative under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). Its goal is to make agriculture more resilient to climate variability by promoting integrated farming, water-use efficiency, soil health management, and a mix of traditional and modern farming practices.
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Surakshaevam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme provides subsidies to farmers for installing solar pumps for irrigation. By promoting solar energy, it helps reduce reliance on diesel, lowers farmers' costs, and provides a more reliable water source.
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